Japan is located at the convergence of the Pacific, Eurasian, North American, and Philippine Sea plates, making it one of the most seismically active regions in the world. In 1880, Japan established the world's first seismological society and subsequently developed a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for earthquake disaster prevention and response. Following the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, the Headquarters for Earthquake Research Promotion was established to coordinate national earthquake research efforts. This institution conducts monthly analyses of seismic activity, annually updates long-term forecasts of large earthquakes in Japan and adjacent regions, and publishes nationwide 30-year probabilistic seismic hazard maps. Japan places strong emphasis on the disclosure and dissemination of earthquake-related information. The public has access to up-to-date research results, long- and short-term forecasts, earthquake early warning information, and extensive, targeted science outreach materials through official platforms. However, owing to the inherent limitations in the accuracy of earthquake prediction and forecasting, several major earthquakes in recent decades—including the 1995 Hanshin Earthquake, the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake, and the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake—were not successfully predicted in advance, resulting in severe casualties and substantial economic losses. These events have prompted Japan to place greater emphasis on fundamental research into earthquake causes and mechanisms, while maintaining a cautious stance toward deterministic earthquake prediction and moderating related investments. Japan's long-term efforts and practical experience in medium-to long-term earthquake forecasting provide valuable lessons and references for other earthquake-prone countries, including China. These experiences underscore the importance of adopting proactive and comprehensive measures, such as improving earthquake disaster prevention policies, enhancing the seismic resilience of buildings, strengthening public education and risk communication, and responsibly disseminating medium-long term earthquake forecast information.